Modi pitches for bigger BRICS role in combating terror, Xi backs India

HAMBURG: Ahead of the BRICS summit in China, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined that the BRICS grouping should play a pivotal role in combating terrorism, addressing climate change and take the lead in fuelling global economic growth.

Mr Modi was speaking at the meeting of the leaders of the five BRICS countries on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany. China will host the 9th BRICS Summit in September in Xiamen.

In his intervention, Mr Modi underscored that the BRICS grouping has been a strong voice and needs to show leadership on terrorism and global economy. He added that G20 should collectively oppose terrorism financing, franchises, safe havens, support and sponsors.

Mr Modi’s remarks on terror found support and endorsement from China’s President Xi Jinping, a sign from Beijing that despite aggravating border tensions, the accent should be on normalising bilateral relations.

President Xi appreciated India’s strong resolve against terrorism and lauded the renewed momentum imparted to the BRICS under India’s presidency. Mr Xi also expreesed his admiration for India’s soical and economic success and wished India even greater success.

After the BRICS meeting, Mr Modi and Mr Xi had a pull-aside conversation in which they discussed a range of issues, including the prolonged border standoff at the India-China-Bhutan trijunction, which has been marked by fierce rheotorical duelling by the two Asian giants.

The Modi-Xi meeting in Hamburg, marked by warmth and cordiality, suggests that the two leaders are looking to defuse tensions and steer the troubled relationship onto a positive trajectory.

In his remarks, Mr Modi also advocated collective voice against the practices of protectionism, especially in the spheres of trade and movement of knowledge and professionals.

The Indian leader reiterated India’s commitment to implementing Paris Agreement in letter and spirit and described its implementation globally as essential to fighting climate change. He called for expeditious action to establish BRICS rating agency and stated that cooperation on development of Africa should be a priority.

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Manish Chand

Manish Chand is Founder-CEO and Editor-in-Chief of India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) and India and World, a pioneering magazine focused on international affairs. He is CEO/Director of TGII Media Private Limited, an India-based media, publishing, research and consultancy company.